Dutch Ambassador arrives to present final donation to Duyfken Replica Project

3/4/98

Western Australian Minister for Resources Development, Energy and Education Colin Barnett welcomed the arrival of Dutch Ambassador Roelof Smit to Western Australia today to present the final instalment of the Dutch Government's 500,000 guilder contribution to the Duyfken Replica Project.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Lotteries Duyfken Village, Mr Barnett said the Dutch Government's enthusiasm for the project was an important endorsement for the work of the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation, chaired by Mr Michael G Kailis.

"This project is attracting international interest and once again putting the spotlight in Fremantle as a world shipbuilding centre," Mr Barnett said.

"It demonstrates that WA not only produces the best fast ferries in the world but also has a broad range of shipbuilding expertise.

"Duyfken also fits in very well to the State Government's plan to develop the West End of Fremantle as a historic waterfront precinct with the WA Maritime Museum, Bathers Beach, the Roundhouse, the new museum to house Australia II and the other developments on Victoria Quay."

Mr Smit and Mr Barnett joined school children from Christ the King Primary School after the presentation to wedge ship's trunnels (tree nails) as a symbol of the joint Australian/Dutch effort to build the first ship in Australia's history.

The presentation was also attended by 200 members of the Friends of the Duyfken, a community support group for the Duyfken project.

A special education package is also available to Western Australian primary schools.

Mr Barnett said Dutch involvement in the Duyfken project was part of an increasing profile for Dutch companies and cultural interests in WA.

"The Netherlands ranks number four as a foreign investor in Australian industry and they have provided significant investment and expertise in resource projects such as the North West Shelf," he said.

Mr Barnett launched the Duyfken Project and the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation in February 1996. Premier Court announced a State Government grant of $500,000 to begin the $3.7 million project in November 1996. Since then, it has attracted a high level of corporate sponsorship and wide community involvement.

The Minister said Ambassador Roelof Smit had been a great supporter of the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation, the community-based organisation which is building the replica.

Mr Smit had worked to bring the project to the attention of the Commonwealth and Dutch Governments.

"The Duyfken story is an important part of Australia's history which is only now receiving the attention it deserves," Mr Barnett said.

"The recent discovery of the French coin at Shark Bay demonstrates Australia's rich maritime history of which Duyfken is a very important part."

Media contact: Justine Whittome, Minister's office, (08) 9222 9699